Biden officially announces ex-Obama official Brian Deese as top economic adviser

President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday officially tapped former Obama administration official Brian Deese to lead the National Economic Council, his latest announcement to round out his economic team.

Deese, who was widely expected to get the role, formerly served as the deputy director of the council and as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). He was a key player in negotiations for the auto industry bailout during the Obama administration and aided in talks to join the Paris climate accord.

“Brian is among the most tested and accomplished public servants in the country — a trusted voice I can count on to help us end the ongoing economic crisis, build a better economy that deals everybody in, and take on the existential threat of climate change in a way that creates good-paying American jobs,” Biden said in a statement.

The position is considered the president’s top economic adviser and does not require Senate confirmation.

Since leaving government, Deese headed up sustainable investing measures at BlackRock, a New York-based investment management group. That affiliation has raised concerns among some watchdogs worried about corporate officials rejoining government.

Deese is the latest economic official announced in recent days by Biden’s transition team as the country faces an economic downturn from the coronavirus pandemic.

The president-elect has said he will nominate former Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen for Treasury secretary, former Hillary Clinton aide Neera Tanden for head of OMB and Cecilia Rouse to lead the Council of Economic Advisers.

Most of Biden’s economic picks served in the Obama administration in some capacity, as did most of the members of his intended national security team announced last week.